Compliance & Regulation
Alternative ways to practise as a solicitor have had “modest impact”
The options for solicitors to offer services to the public as freelancers or from unregulated businesses have had a “modest impact on consumer choice”, research for the SRA has found.
Solicitor struck off for making false costs claim to court
A solicitor who tried to pass off costs incurred by someone else as his own before the Business and Property Court has been struck off.
LSB warns regulators of enforcement action on lawyer quality indicators
The Legal Services Board has warned regulators that they could face action over “slow” progress in developing quality indicators to help consumers choose lawyers.
Revealed: MoJ looks at client account interest to support free legal advice
The Ministry of Justice is formally looking at whether interest on some client accounts could be diverted to fund legal services for people unable to afford advice, Legal Futures can reveal.
Conveyancing assistant signed form in name of supervisor
A conveyancing assistant who signed a form purporting to be her line manager because she was under pressure from her client has been barred from working for law firms.
Solicitor cleared over “accidental” kiss with colleague
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal has dismissed an allegation that a solicitor planted an unwanted kiss on the lips of a more junior colleague at their firm’s spring party.
Chalk accepts “growing case” to review regulation of lawyers
There is “a growing case” for a review of the regulatory framework created by the Legal Services Act 2007, the Lord Chancellor has acknowledged.
SRA seeks power to launch “spot checks” of law firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has called for the power to launch “wide-sweeping inspections” of law firms without needing the trigger of a specific allegation of misconduct.
Pupillage providers using blind recruitment “are less diverse”
Pupillage providers using blind or contextual recruitment techniques have a higher proportion of male and White pupils than those who do not, Bar Standards Board research has found.
Ex-City solicitor jailed for 15 years over investment frauds
A former City solicitor who was one of the architects of a Ponzi scheme that multiplied into several investment frauds has been jailed for 15 years.
Blog
Small steps, big impact: how SME law firms are making legal tech work
For SME law firms, the priority is turning the potential of tech into measurable impact: success is driven not just by the technology, but by how firms approach planning and implementation.
Why housing disrepair claims against councils have leapt by nearly 400%
Housing disrepair claims against councils have surged dramatically in recent years, with some areas reporting increases approaching a staggering 400%.
Client accounts: Opportunity, obligation and the risks in between
The profitability gap between well-run firms and the rest is not primarily a function of size, location or practice area – it is a function of financial management.
